By Emmanuel Kwada
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged President Bola Tinubu to swiftly address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity by issuing a 90-day ultimatum to security chiefs to eradicate terrorists and their sponsors, or face dismissal.
This call comes in response to recent threats from United States President Donald Trump, who has signaled potential military action against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service themed “The Eve of Glory,” Adeboye emphasized the urgency of the situation, advising the government to act diplomatically and wisely to avert international intervention.
He suggested that Tinubu engage with Trump to secure a 100-day grace period, during which Nigeria could decisively tackle the terrorism plaguing the nation.
“Move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely. Find a way to convince the President of America to delay his actions for about 100 days. Then come home and tell our security chiefs to get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign,” Adeboye stated.
The cleric recounted his previous private engagements with past presidents, including the late Muhammadu Buhari, to whom he had offered similar advice.
Adeboye noted that Buhari initially acted on the suggestion but failed to follow through, allowing the issue to persist. He stressed that any new directive must extend beyond terrorists to include their sponsors, regardless of their status or influence.
“When giving orders to the service chiefs, the President should make it clear that they must not only eliminate the terrorists but also their sponsors, no matter how powerful they are,” he added.
Adeboye warned that if the U.S. proceeds with military action, condemnations from global powers like China and Russia would be verbal at best, with no substantial aid forthcoming from allies such as Britain.
“If America attacks us, China, Russia, and other world powers will condemn it strongly, but that’s all they’ll do. Britain won’t come to help us. No foreign power will,” he cautioned.
He underscored the non-partisan nature of the crisis, stating, “This is not the time for jokes, grammar, or arguments. It’s not about Christians or Muslims — innocent people are dying.”
In a related development, human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has lambasted the Nigerian government’s portrayal of ongoing violence as mere “farmer-herder clashes,” insisting it amounts to genocide.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Farotimi criticized officials for downplaying the atrocities, saying, “You are calling genocide farmers-herders clash — what nonsense. How can a farmer who owns nothing be clashing with somebody carrying a Kalashnikov and M-16 rifles? And they are calling it a farmers-herders clash. You even find government persons peddling that idiocy.”
He accused authorities of concealing the truth under misleading labels amid international scrutiny, including Trump’s comments.
The African Union has reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s sovereignty in light of Trump’s threats, while President Tinubu has intensified consultations, including meetings with regional leaders.
As tensions rise, calls for decisive action grow louder, with stakeholders urging the government to prioritize national security and expose those fueling the insurgency.
Trump’s statements have sparked widespread debate, with some viewing them as a wake-up call for Nigeria to address its internal challenges independently. The coming days may see further diplomatic efforts as Nigeria navigates this geopolitical pressure.
